Why Is Soy Wax Better Than Paraffin?

If you’ve ever fallen down an Internet rabbit hole searching “soy wax vs paraffin wax,” you’ll know it’s a bit of a battlefield. Conflicting claims, scary-sounding facts, and marketing spin galore! So, let’s clear the air. Literally.

At Botanifolia, we believe in making informed, gentle choices that feel good for you and the planet. That’s why we choose soy wax over paraffin in our candles, and here’s why you might want to, too.

What is paraffin wax?

Paraffin wax is a colourless, odourless by-product of petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It’s actually the most common wax used in candle-making. In fact, in 2023, paraffin wax candles made up over 31% of the UK candle market.

They’re popular for a reason: paraffin wax is cheap to produce and excellent at holding strong fragrances. But while they may smell sweet, there’s a bit more to the story...

Why don’t we use paraffin wax?

Let’s be clear, we’re not here to frighten anyone. Our goal isn’t scare tactics; it’s education and empowerment. So here’s the deal: paraffin wax is not a renewable resource. It’s derived from fossil fuels, making it a far less sustainable option. That’s a big “no, thank you” for us at Botanifolia, where sustainability is one of our guiding values.

There are also some health concerns surrounding paraffin wax. Burning paraffin candles can release potentially harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene. Studies have found that these fumes may contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, or even cancer. While more research is needed before we start a full-on paraffin panic, it’s enough to make us opt for a cleaner alternative.

Plus, the whole reason we started making our own candles was because store-bought paraffin candles gave us headaches! We wanted something better for our homes, and now we’re proud to offer it to yours.

What are the alternatives to paraffin wax?

One popular natural alternative is beeswax. It’s beautifully sustainable, natural, and gaining popularity in the UK candle market (with expected growth of 9.5% between 2024 and 2030). But here’s the catch: beeswax is an animal by-product, and we’re committed to keeping our products 100% vegan.

That’s where soy wax shines.

Why we love soy wax

Soy wax is a plant-based, renewable alternative that ticks all the right boxes: it’s vegan, biodegradable, and cleaner-burning. It’s excellent at holding fragrance, meaning your space smells amazing without the smoke show. Yes, it’s slightly more expensive than paraffin, but we believe the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Soy wax burns slower and cleaner, making it a safer, more eco-friendly choice for your home and the environment.

Our promise at Botanifolia

We’re not just another candle brand, we’re a botanical wellbeing company. At Botanifolia, every product is rooted in our love for nature, science, and sustainability. We use only natural soy wax, high-quality botanical oils, and no chemical dyes. That means no nasty toxins, no shortcuts, just pure botanical goodness.

We blend modern science with ancient plant wisdom to craft products that help you reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with the calming rituals that bring joy to everyday life.

Looking for beautifully crafted, natural soy wax candles? Explore our collection and discover your next favourite scent.